What people see in an image has changed enormously since the introduction of camera phones.
When you go and look at what is being posted in the iPhone group on Flickr - you begint o realise that a lot of what was done in the days of film by exceptionally gifted pros can now be done with a free or almost free app. It is a sad product of technology. These phones come with cameras that comfortably match the earliest DSLR's (which are still in use it should be said) and are even getting glass add ons to match some of the better glass used on DSLR's.
Then we come to documentaries that show how camera traps are set up to capture images of Snow Loepards because they are so rare. When people see that pic of a Snow Leopard, they often think "lucky shot on a camera trap tarted up in PS by some arty geek", where as with the cute kittens they see that some one had to be in the right place at the right time.
Technology has spoiled things for photography nowadays IMHO. If proof were needed, I will now engage in a FaceTime chat with Mrs B who is currently in Wshinton DC. The image will be crystal clear with no pixelation, the sounds will be synched to mouth movements and other such movents without the hunorous effect of old Chinese Movies, and all free of charge. And all this available on a little box no bigger than an iPhone - oh hang on, this is on an iPhone.
When you consider that the 'viewer' from 1960's Star Trek was the thing of a future 'dreamed of but not in this life time' is now available in our pockets. Even Noughties Star Trek still only had a comms badge with voice communication. I watched as Chris Hadfield merrily floated up and down the ISS giving live Q&A sessions - or better still, streaming EVA walks to upgrade or repair the ISS - this really is Star Trek stuff happening now.
And we wonder have people perceptions of pictures changed? Wait till the X-ray add on for the Smartphone appears - then you'll have anew category of X-Ray Art/ Photography to debate over.
